What is this medicine?

HYDROCORTISONE (hye droe KOR ti sone) is a corticosteroid. It is used to decrease swelling, itching and pain that is caused by minor skin irritations or hemorrhoids.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

an unusual or allergic reaction to hydrocortisone, corticosteroids, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

pregnant or trying to get pregnant

breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine is for rectal use only. Do not take by mouth. Do not apply to your eye. Follow directions on the prescription label. Wash your hands before and after use. Apply a thin film to the affected area. Do not use on healthy skin or over large areas of skin. Do not cover with a bandage or dressing unless your doctor or health care professional tells you to. If you are to cover the area, follow the instructions carefully. Covering the area can increase the amount that passes through the skin and increases the risk of side effects. Do not use your medicine more often than directed. It is important not to use more medicine than prescribed.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. If applying this medicine to the diaper area of a child, do not cover with tight-fitting diapers or plastic pants.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

Interactions are not expected. Do not use any other skin products on the affected area without telling your doctor or health care professional.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Tell your doctor or health care professional if your symptoms do not start to get better after a few days.

If you get any type of infection while using this medicine, you may need to stop using this medicine until your infections clears up. Ask your doctor or health care professional for advice.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

burning or itching of the skin

dark red spots on the skin

infection

lack of healing of skin condition

painful, red, pus-filled blisters in hair follicles

thinning of the skin

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

dry skin, irritation

unusual increased growth of hair on the face or body

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Protect from heat and freezing. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children,
never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Last Updated: May 04, 2009

Licensed from

The Healthline Site, its content, such as text, graphics, images, search results, HealthMaps, Trust Marks,
and other material contained on the Healthline Site ("Content"), its services, and any information or material
posted on the Healthline Site by third parties are provided for informational purposes only. None of the
foregoing is a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek
the advice of a physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a
medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you
have read on the Healthline Site. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.
Please read the Terms of Service
for more information regarding use of the Healthline Site.

Healthline’s mission is to make the people of the world healthier through the power of information. We do this by creating quality health information that is authoritative, approachable, and actionable.

Join more than 30 million monthly visitors like you and let Healthline be your guide to better health.